FAR_16_505_KO_Det_Brand_Name.pdf

ERDC-15-0240

Contracting Officer Determination Brand Name

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer (USACE), Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Contracting Office (ECO) intends to make contract award pursuant to the authority of FAR 16.505, Ordering, for the purposes of providing written consent and approval to award Brand Name Crestron touch-screen controller.

As part of the effort to upgrade the conference room AV equipment and control system for the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in BLDG 3294, room 16, it is necessary to replace the existing Crestron touch-screen controller with a newer model. The current model has reached end-of-life and needs to be replaced. In order to utilize existing Crestron hardware that is still viable, it is necessary to purchase a Crestron model controller that is compatible with the existing hardware. This touch-screen controller allows the user to select which video source to display on each screen, adjust the audio volume, pan/tilt/zoom the video camera, and control the DVD player.

In accordance with FAR 16.505(a)(4) The following requirements apply when procuring items peculiar to one manufacturer (i) The contracting officer must justify restricting consideration to an item peculiar to one manufacturer (e.g., a particular brand-name, product, or a feature of a product that is peculiar to one manufacturer).

The existing touch-panel controller (Crestron TPS-8X-GA) in the conference room has to be replaced, because it has reached end-of-life and Crestron no longer supports this model. The existing system was procured on contract#: W912HZ-08-P-0452, SEP 2008.

The Government will be re-using the existing Crestron Pro2 Processor as a slave to the new CP3 Processor. It has a lot of IO capabilities (RS232, IR, Digital In, Relays, etc.), that are still needed with the new processor. By using the Pro2 as a slave, we will save approximately $1700.00 in direct equipment costs.

Since the Government is re-using the Crestron Pro2 Processor, Cresnet power supply, QSC CX amplifier, ceiling speakers, table boxes, DVD player, credenza and equipment racks, VTC CODEC (PolyCom HDX8000) and cameras, a Crestron system that is compatible with the current system must be used to control it. There would also be engineering design costs if Crestron were not used, because the system would have to be re-designed for a new controller.

A system re-design would probably cost around $2,500.00.

Technical requirements for the touch screen controller for this application must meet the following specifications:

• Must be compatible with existing Crestron Pro2 processor

• Must be a touch-screen controller that can control the existing PolyCom HDX8000 VTC system, Sony DVD player, PC video inputs, etc.

• Must be 4K ready

• Must be capable of controlling HDMI switching system

ERDC-15-0240

Based on the above and in accordance with FAR 16.505(a)(4)(i), it is hereby determined that Brand Name Crestron touch-screen controller is the only product compatible with existing USACE software/hardware , therefore in the best interest of the Government to procure Brand Name Crestron touch-screen controller.

Michelle Kelley

Contracting Officer